Pink Squirrel

If you've never heard of the pink squirrel cocktail, then you've been missing out. This pink drink tastes like dessert in a glass as it is full of chocolate and nutty flavors but is a perfect pink sweet treat. Perfect for the holidays or for Valentine's Day or for dessert.

An Updated Classic

The original recipe calls for a liqueur that the vast majority of us would likely not have in our liquor cabinets: Creme de Noyaux. If you are scratching your head on this one, then don't feel bad (and don't hit the back button on your browser just yet).

Crème de Noyaux is an almond-flavored liquor that has a pink coloring to it giving this cocktail part of its name. Being that it is on the nutty side will explain the animal reference also.

However, the easiest way about getting both the flavor and color right is by swapping out the Creme de Noyaux for Amaretto and a splash of grenadine.

So now we can consider this one of the cocktail recipes that are perfect as a dessert cocktail, it's sweet, nutty, and creamy. It's all flavor but doesn't pack much of a punch because dessert cocktails should be enjoyed for flavor.

While I've strayed from the original ingredient list, here is a classic cocktail that should be added to your repertoire.

History of the Pink Squirrel Cocktail

Unlike some cocktails, the Pink Squirrel's history can be traced to Bryant Sharp of Bryant's Cocktail Lounge in Milwaukee.

Variations of this Cocktail

Since this drink is meant to be a dessert cocktail it can be made richer and creamier than the recipe below. The following ideas can be used to modify the recipe further by:

• Make this creamier by using heavy cream in place of half and half
• Make this a milkshake by mixing this with vanilla ice cream

Watch Me Make This (41 Seconds)

Tips for Making This

Here are my best tips for making this cocktail:

• Always use good quality ice
• Creme de Noyaux is traditional to the original recipe, but since you might not have a bottle of that laying around, I've used amaretto and grenadine instead.
• Don't shake the half and half too much as the shaker only needs to be gently swirled in order to combine.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, add amaretto, grenadine, and crème de cacao. Shake until cold.

Step 2: Add half and half and swirl the glass to combine.

Step 3: Gently shake the tin to combine

Step 4: Pour into a martini glass

Step 5: Garnish and enjoy responsibly!

Other Dessert Cocktails You Might Enjoy

B52 Cocktail

Chocolate Martini

Nuts and Berries

I hope you enjoy this Pink Squirrel recipe!

If you try this, would you mind hitting the “Rate” button? I’d love to know what you thought of it. If you modified the original recipe here, please let me know how it turned out. I love comments!

If you’ve tried this Pink Squirrel or any other recipe on the blog, I’d love the hear what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest to see what I’m up to.